Blog

When to plant Lemon Thyme in Cooper County, MO

Plant Lemon Thyme in Cooper County, between April 17 and May 1 — the only viable window. Zone 6b's short season (198 frost-free days) rules out a fall crop.

When to Plant Lemon Thyme in Cooper County, MO

Lemon thyme is a low-growing perennial herb with tiny, citrus-scented leaves. It combines the savory quality of thyme with a bright lemon flavor, excellent with fish and poultry.

Cooper County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 198 days.

At an elevation of 1,035 feet, Cooper County receives approximately 35.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Lemon Thyme during the growing season.

Cooper County, MO (Zone 6b) Moderate season
198 days
Last Spring Frost April 10
198 growing days
First Fall Frost October 25

Cooper County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Lemon Thyme Planting Timeline — Cooper County, MO

Lemon Thyme Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 17 Apr 17 – May 1
Harvest June 26 Jun 26 – Aug 28

Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Transplant Outdoors
May Transplant Outdoors
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
September
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Low — drought tolerant

📅 Days to Maturity

70–90 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–8 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6b

📆 Growing Season

198 days in Cooper County

Growing Tips for Cooper County

Start from cuttings or divisions. Plant in well-drained soil. Trim back after flowering. Use as a fragrant ground cover or edging plant along garden paths.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Lemon Thyme in Cooper County, MO?

Cooper County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 10. Plan your Lemon Thyme planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Cooper County, MO?

Cooper County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 10 and first fall frost is October 25.

When should I plant Lemon Thyme in Cooper County, MO?

In Cooper County, MO, plant Lemon Thyme after the last frost (around April 10) and before the first frost (around October 25). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Cooper County, MO for Lemon Thyme?

Cooper County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Lemon Thyme grows reliably in zones 5a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Lemon Thyme grow in Cooper County's climate?

Yes — Lemon Thyme grows well in Cooper County's temperate climate. Cooper County averages a 198-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 10 and first frost around October 25.

🌱

Your Cooper County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Cooper County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Cooper County, MO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: August 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.